Chapter 16 - What the Money Bought
Owen Fitch was arrested on charges related to the fraudulent billing investigation.
After consulting a lawyer, he began cooperating with investigators.
Meredith was also charged, including offenses tied to the alleged theft and interference with Lena's care; the court, not Julian, would determine guilt.
Detective Brooks warned him that a public accusation could harm the case.
"Let the evidence speak," she said.
"And let your daughter keep some privacy."
Julian stopped responding to strangers who sent him messages asking for the shocking details.
He had already learned what happened when adults treated Lena's life like something they could use.
Financial investigators traced some trust payments to debts and renovations for a small rental property Meredith and Owen jointly controlled.
Other funds had been spent and might never be recovered.
"So she got a house and Lena lost her appointments?" Mae asked.
"We don't know whether every missed appointment was about money," Rachel said.
"We do know that the records link some cancellations with efforts to keep questionable invoices from being examined."
The distinction mattered.
Julian wanted a neat villain with a neat motive.
The truth was uglier: greed, secrecy, and the power to control a child who depended on adults.
At a medical team meeting, Dr. Patel explained that Lena likely had an underlying neuromuscular breathing problem that the infection had made more obvious.
Further testing would refine the diagnosis and the long-term plan.
"We cannot promise a cure," she said.
"But she can receive better-coordinated support and a chance to participate in ordinary childhood activities."
Julian asked about school, sleep, and physical therapy before he asked about equipment costs.
Lena noticed.
That night she drew herself in a classroom, sitting beside Tasha with Captain Rabbit hidden in her backpack.
"Looks like a plan," Julian said.
"Not yet," Lena answered.
May you like
She colored the door blue.
"It's a wish. Plans are when grown-ups actually do the work."
